Topical Questions 2024-09-05

2024-09-05

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Patrick Hurley Lab
Southport
Context
The MP is inquiring about the government's priorities and progress since taking office.
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. The Department's four priorities are to reset trade relations, deliver a new deal for working people, support small businesses, and implement an industrial strategy. What specific steps has the Department taken in these areas?
My Department's four priorities are to reset our trade relations, deliver a new deal for working people, support small business and implement a mission-focused industrial strategy. In just a few short weeks, we have begun preparing no fewer than four Bills for the King's Speech. I have attended the G7 trade summit, and set up the Horizon convictions redress scheme. We have ensured UK Export Finance support for the defence of Ukraine, changed the remit of the Low Pay Commission and organised an international investment summit for 14 October.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Patrick Hurley Lab
Southport
Context
The MP is concerned about the next generation of entrepreneurs in Southport and wants to understand how the Department will support them.
This Government were elected on a platform to embed economic growth and break down barriers to opportunity. How will the Department work to support the next generation of entrepreneurs to ensure that our economic mission is furthered?
I hope you will allow me, Madam Deputy Speaker, to pay tribute to my hon. Friend after what his community has been through, and the incredible way that he stepped up to represent that community. That is something we would all like to acknowledge. The points that my hon. Friend makes are right: small businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups are essential to our economic success, in Southport and in every part of the UK, and the support we will give them covers advice, guidance and training.
Assessment & feedback
The response includes a tribute and general statements without specifics on how small businesses and entrepreneurs will be supported.
Paying Tribute
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Jerome Mayhew Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Context
The MP is concerned about the slow progress in sending letters to Horizon victims regarding quashed convictions.
When dealing with the Post Office Horizon scandal, does the Secretary of State understand that by sitting on the letters informing Horizon victims that their convictions have been quashed, the Department is exacerbating the trauma of this terrible injustice? After two months in office, I understand that fewer than one in six letters have been sent. When does he plan to get a grip on the situation?
I welcome the hon. Gentleman to his place. We have been in office for two months, and we have already set up the Horizon convictions redress scheme. Indeed, I was pleased to work with the former Minister, the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Kevin Hollinrake), on creating the legal environment necessary to do that.
Assessment & feedback
The response acknowledges setting up the redress scheme but does not address the specific issue of letter distribution delays.
Welcoming
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Context
The MP is concerned about the weak enforcement of the national minimum wage under the previous government.
Many of my constituents in Hendon rely on the national minimum wage, but as we know from research, employers got away with failing to pay that wage to more than one in five workers who were due it under the last Government. Can the Secretary of State tell the House what steps his Department is taking to reverse that shameful legacy of weak enforcement?
The introduction of the minimum wage was one of the proudest achievements of the last Labour Government, but for too long the UK's labour market enforcement system has been fragmented and ineffective. That is bad for workers and bad for the majority of businesses that want do to the right thing and comply with the law.
Assessment & feedback
The response mentions poor enforcement history without specific new steps being taken.
Mentioning Past Achievements
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
David Davis Con
Goole and Pocklington
Context
The MP is frustrated with the slow progress in sending letters to postmasters regarding quashed convictions.
Can I bring the Secretary of State back to the issue of the postmasters who have not received their letters? There have been battles across this House, but those on all sides support fast responses to the postmasters. Can he please do so quickly?
I thank the right hon. Member for his role, which I have referred to in the past and has been important in these matters. I am not passing the buck to anyone; I am simply saying that it is the Ministry of Justice, rather than me, that sends those letters out. As of 30 August, 130 letters have been sent out, quashing more than 370 convictions.
Assessment & feedback
The response provides some details but does not commit to a specific timeline for faster distribution.
Clarifying Responsibility
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Context
The MP is concerned about the current state of business rates and wants to establish a banking hub in his constituency.
I welcome the ministerial team to their places. Business rates are a broken system that has hollowed out many high streets up and down the country. We are rightly committed to radically reforming that. What recent discussions have Ministers had with the Treasury to make sure that we do that at pace? Will a Minister meet me so that I can establish a banking hub in my Runcorn and Helsby constituency?
I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the question about a banking hub in his constituency. As he will have heard in answers that I gave earlier, reform of the business rates system to tackle some of the egregious disincentives in respect of the need to invest in our high streets and the competition from online giants is something we took seriously in opposition and continue to take seriously in government.
Assessment & feedback
The response acknowledges reform but does not provide specific progress updates or commitments on meeting dates.
Offering To Meet
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Helen Morgan Lib Dem
North Shropshire
Context
Rural businesses in North Shropshire face difficulties trading with Europe due to lack of a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement.
Rural businesses in the agricultural, horticultural and equine sectors in my constituency are struggling to trade with Europe. Will the Secretary of State update us on progress on making a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement and a veterinary agreement with the EU?
I assure the hon. Lady that the SPS agreement—the veterinary agreement—is one of the priorities we are pursuing. That matter is being led by the Cabinet Office, as is the reset with the European Union.
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or commitment not given
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Melanie Onn Lab
Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Context
Dodgy vape shops are damaging high streets, exploiting young people and children.
Are there any plans to crack down on the dodgy vape shops that are harming our high streets? Is consideration being given to improving trading standards to protect young people from exploitation?
Good product regulation and public confidence in the system are important across every sector. The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will give powers to regulate fields like this.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or commitments not provided
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Neil Shastri-Hurst Con
Solihull West and Shirley
Context
Postmasters have been adversely affected by errors in the Horizon IT system.
When does the Secretary of State anticipate that the Horizon shortfall scheme appeal process will be fully operational?
We have moved at pace to put the scheme in place due to legislation from the last Parliament. We are working on letters and information distribution.
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline not provided
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Joe Powell Lab
Kensington and Bayswater
Context
Businesses in Kensington and Bayswater are frustrated by the adversarial relationship with the EU.
Will the Minister outline what steps the Government are taking to address trade barriers between UK businesses and the EU?
The reset is about turning the page and reinvigorating our alliance with EU neighbours. We aim to build stronger cooperation in areas like security, law enforcement, and economic security.
Assessment & feedback
Trade barriers not addressed directly
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q11 Direct Answer
Iain Duncan Smith Con
Chingford and Woodford Green
Context
Polysilicon used in solar arrays is produced in Xinjiang using slave labour.
Will the Secretary of State give an undertaking that no polysilicon made under slave labour in Xinjiang will be used in UK solar arrays?
I give the right hon. Gentleman an absolute assurance that I would expect and demand there to be no modern slavery in any part of a supply chain affecting UK products or goods.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Paul Waugh Lab Co-op
Rochdale
Context
The Business Secretary pledged to be the most accessible.
Will he give an update on his recent business engagements? May I also invite him to meet me, the Rochdale Development Agency and the Rochdale business improvement district?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that question. I meet businesses every day, including recently at breakfast events on making work pay. A meeting with him will certainly be arranged.
Assessment & feedback
Specific engagement activities or commitments not detailed
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Sammy Wilson DUP
East Antrim
Context
Consumer resistance to electric vehicles is leading car manufacturers to restrict supplies of petrol cars and consider leaving the UK market. The target for electric vehicle production is expected to be missed by 100,000 cars this year.
The Government's zero emission vehicle mandate includes a £15,000 penalty per car shortfall from the 22% target. Due to consumer resistance, manufacturers are restricting petrol car supplies and considering leaving the UK market. Given these issues, will the Secretary of State reconsider the target since consumers won't be forced to buy unwanted cars?
The policy is a Department for Transport initiative from the previous Government. We supported it as it aligns with phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles. There are flexibilities in policies allowing transfer of penalties between financial years, though we review everything closely to ensure industry and consumer confidence.
Assessment & feedback
Reconsidering the target set for electric vehicle production due to current consumer resistance
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Dan Carden Lab
Liverpool Walton
Context
There were riots in the Spellow library hub area, affecting businesses. The constituency needs support for a vibrant high street, investment in new housing, skills training, and employment opportunities.
The Secretary of State visited the Spellow library hub after the riots to see challenges faced by the community. Will he work with Cabinet colleagues and local city council to ensure real improvement is delivered for County Road residents by the end of this Parliament?
Following the visit, we are collaborating closely with the Association of British Insurers for quick claims processing. Businesses can still seek help under the Riot Compensation Act 2016.
Assessment & feedback
Significant improvements in County Road by the end of this Parliament
We Are Committed To Improvement Collaborating With Insurers
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Munira Wilson Lib Dem
Twickenham
Context
One Air, a small cargo airline based in Twickenham, faces additional red tape and costs due to Brexit. Recognition of professional qualifications is needed.
Will the Secretary of State give an assurance that mutual recognition of professional qualifications for the aviation sector will be included when negotiating with other countries?
We prioritise the inclusion of pilots' qualifications, but cannot promise negotiation outcomes.
Assessment & feedback
Including the aviation sector in negotiations on mutual recognition of professional qualifications
Cannot Promise The Outcome
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Christopher Vince Lab Co-op
Harlow
Context
British exit from the EU has affected fruit growers and farmers in Harlow with hiring seasonal workers.
What can his Department do to address issues related to hiring seasonal workers caused by Brexit?
Our reforms to zero-hours contracts will not affect seasonal labour, and we acknowledge the importance of this sector in the labour market.
Assessment & feedback
Addressing issues related to hiring seasonal workers caused by Brexit
Reforms To Zero-Hours Contracts
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Antonia Bance Lab
Tipton and Wednesbury
Context
Amazon is employing union-busting tactics against GMB members in Coventry, with a narrow loss of union recognition.
What steps is the Secretary taking to ensure workers like those at the Amazon warehouse can more easily win union recognition?
We believe businesses work best with recognised trade unions. The Government will look closely at this as part of our plan to make work pay.
Assessment & feedback
Simplifying processes and laws around statutory recognition for unions
We Believe Businesses Work Best
Response accuracy
Q18 Direct Answer
Matt Western Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Context
Oasis fans were angered by dynamic pricing, a concern seen across the economy.
Does the Minister agree that we need an urgent review of such price gouging systems?
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has announced a review, and the Competition and Markets Authority is also looking into it.
Assessment & feedback
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Q19 Partial Answer
Liam Byrne Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Context
The Post Office scandal is ongoing, affecting many sub-postmasters. The Williams inquiry aims to address the issue of miscarriages of justice and redress for innocent individuals.
What thought has the Secretary of State given to attending the Williams inquiry? The Post Office scandal is unfinished business. It is now vital that we not only learn the lessons, but accelerate redress for the innocent and, crucially, punish the guilty fast.
I am very grateful to my right hon. Friend for that question. As a new Secretary of State, the inquiry and the whole issue has affected deeply how I believe accountability and power should be considered in the roles we have as Ministers. It comes on the back of what we heard about Grenfell yesterday, and what we have heard about Bloody Sunday and Hillsborough. I believe that, although this is essentially a legacy issue, it is exactly the agenda that we have on coming into these jobs. The future of the Post Office must be linked to the inquiry not just in terms of redress, but in how the business model works better for sub-postmasters. I do not believe that this has been put into the public domain yet, but I have received a request to attend the inquiry. I will, of course, do so, and believe it is an essential way to put across what we will take from that inquiry and our plans for long-term reform in the future.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not provide a specific commitment or timeline regarding attending the Williams inquiry but stated he would do so.
Response accuracy